Mūrniece: Sanctions have turned Russia from a rich oil exporter into an "oil beggar"
Latvian Foreign Affairs Committee chair Ināra Mūrniece says international sanctions are affecting Russia's economy and calls for the pressure to continue, expressing hope for additional US measures.
Ināra Mūrniece (NA), chair of the Saeima's Foreign Affairs Committee, said on TV24's program "Ziņu top" that international sanctions are affecting Russia's economy, even though the effects are not felt immediately.
According to Mūrniece, there can be no shades of grey when it comes to the war in Ukraine — it is clear who is the aggressor and who is defending itself. She believes the same clarity is still needed regarding sanctions against Russia, even though the war has now lasted almost five years.
Intelligence services confirm impact
Mūrniece noted that intelligence services from EU and NATO countries have concluded that sanctions are affecting Russia's economy, though the impact does not appear right after the first, second or even fourth package of sanctions.
She cited the oil sector as the clearest example, saying Russia has gone from being a wealthy oil-exporting country to one begging in the oil sphere. In her view, this clearly demonstrates that the sanctions have been effective.
Calls for continued pressure
Mūrniece argued that pressure on Russia should continue and that closer cooperation among allies is needed. She expressed hope that the United States could introduce additional sanctions, referring to a sanctions bill advanced by US Senator Lindsey Graham, noting that while its progress has begun, there is still a long way to go before it takes effect.
She also commented on the reaction of Russia's president, saying she takes pleasure in watching Putin's powerless anger, which is why sanction pressure must continue.
Mūrniece stressed that it is important for Latvia to cooperate on this issue not only with EU and NATO allies but also with countries such as Australia and Japan.
